The Election Commission is currently investigating allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra regarding undue political influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
On Wednesday, EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong stated that the panel lacks the authority to compel Thaksin to provide testimony in the ongoing investigation. The panel has received testimonies from those who have formally lodged complaints against him and the Pheu Thai Party, but Thaksin has not yet responded.
Ittiporn acknowledged the panel’s limitations, emphasizing that if Thaksin chooses not to cooperate, the committee can only proceed based on existing information. He urged Thaksin to engage with the process to have the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations.
Once the panel collects sufficient evidence, it will forward its findings to the EC secretary-general for review and potential further action regarding the case.
The complaints originated from several political figures including Thai Pakdee Party chairman Warong Dechgitvigrom and members of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and other parties.
Central to the accusations is a meeting that took place at Thaksin’s residence shortly after the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court on August 14. During this gathering, members from coalition parties allegedly conferred with Thaksin about potential replacements for Srettha, with Thaksin reportedly playing a role in selecting a new prime ministerial candidate.
Initial discussions identified former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri as a leading candidate; however, the following day, Pheu Thai members proposed Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, for the position.
Evidence presented in support of the allegations includes interviews given by Thaksin regarding Pheu Thai and its coalition policies.
